Philips HeartStart Home Defibrillator (AED)

I have taught CPR for almost 35 years and currently head up an American Heart Association Training Center. My instructors have had access to the top 4 AED trainers for over 5 years, but every one of them prefers to use the Philips Medical Heartstart. The other trainers gather dust. The Philips line of AEDs began as HeartStream in the late 1990s and were the first on the market with FDA-approved biphasic (2 directional) shocks, first to put AEDs on airplanes (American Airlines), first with FDA-approved Pediatric Pads,the first and currently only AED officially approved by the American Dental Association, and the first to be able to be purchased without a doctor's prescription. And considering that just a few years ago, AEDs cost almost $5000, the price makes it a steal! If you have a loved one in your home with a heart condition, this is the device for you! Be aware that no device guarantees success, and this machine will not help a heart attack, but it is the best chance for someone who experiences a Sudden Cardiac Arrest (complete heart stoppage). But if you buy it, please also take the time to get trained in its use by attending a HeartSaver AED training course use of an AED is only 1 of 4 links in the AHA "Chain of Survival". You can find a course near you by going on the American Heart Association Webpage and locating a Training Center or Training Site near you, or call Philips Customer Service.

We have 2 of these in our office. Two weeks ago an employee had a heart attack. Someone started CPR and I hooked up the the AED. After 5 shocks the womens heart restarted and she started breathing on her own. The ambulance response time was more than 10 minutes. (This is faster than average in NYC) Without the AED this 40 year old women would be dead. Two weeks later she is back at work.

The device is very simple to use. The most important thing is to avoid panic. And don't give up, keep at it until the ambulance arrives.

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Contrary to what John Stevenson said in his review, you cannot administer a shock to someone who does not need it.

The device has a built-in monitoring function that only allows you to shock when it detects the inproper heart function.

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I'm concerned that some reviews here seem to indicate that AEDs require a license or other specialized training to use. Most states require that users take an approved CPR class that includes AED training. Most CPR classes today offer this additional training. If you are concerned, call your local ambulance or fire department. They should have good information about the requirements (if any) in your area.

AEDs save lives. They are very, very easy to use. They should be in every home and office in the United States. They are made to be virtually "idiot-proof." It is EXTREMELY unlikely that you could shock someone that didn't need to be shocked. They walk you through just what to do in a cardiac arrest emergency.

I have been a career paramedic for nearly a decade. I have managed dozens of cardiac arrests. Of the very few "saves" we have had, almost all of them involved the use of an AED before we arrived. CPR is important, but it's been overrated by TV. The #1 goal when the heart stops -whether you're in the operating room, emergency room, in an ambulance, or lying on your living room floor -is to defibrillate that heart in an attempt to get it to beat normally again.

An accepted statistic is that the chances of survival decrease by about 10% for every minute the patient is without a pulse. In most places, you're lucky if you can get an ambulance crew into your home in under 8-10 minutes. Factor in the time it takes you to realize what's going on and to call 911. You do the math. Even with CPR, without an AED it's just about hopeless.

This is a good product. Anyone who can afford it should purchase it for better peace of mind. You should also take a CPR class and familiarize yourself with the unit.

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Since my husband's family has a history of heart disease, I thought I would look into getting one of these. In researching the topic at the Consumer Reports website, I found that they reported that the resuscitation rate nationally is 2 to 5%. With a Home Defibrillator, the rate jumps to 40 to 50%.

In researching further, I found that the Phillips is the only Home Defibrillator available to buy without a prescription. The website for this product, has a wealth of information. They offer assistance in finding out if insurance or Medicare will cover some of the cost of this product.

The American Heart Association states that 340,000 people in the U.S. die from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) each year. St. Jude Medical Center website (sjm.com) lists the risk factors for SCA, although SCA can occur without any risk factors:

Heart attack

Heart failure

Heart surgery

Coronary artery disease

Diabetes

High cholesterol

High blood pressure

Cigarette smoking

Drug or alcohol abuse

Excess weight

High fat diet

Sedentary lifestyle

Stress

Certain medications (over-the-counter and prescriptions, including decongestants, diet and herbal supplements)

Family history of arrhythmia or sudden cardiac arrest

Congenital heart disorders (heart problems present at birth, usually involving the heart's chambers or valves)

Advancing age

I was very impressed with the amount of on-line support at including a video and a demo. The demo shows exactly how the product works. It removed all doubt about whether I would be able to use this product. (Obviously, taking the American Heart Association class is highly advisable!) Thanks, Philips.

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